《Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark》（グリム・ガーディアンズ サーヴァント・オブ・ザ・ダーク》，常譯為《少女魔役》）是由日本知名遊戲開發團隊Inti Creates開發的橫向卷軸動作遊戲。前作《少女魔淨》於2023年推出，發行的平台有Switch、PS4、PS5、Xbox One、Xbox Series X/S跟Steam。是Inti Creates再度回歸類惡魔城（Metroidvania）風格的作品，並融合其擅長的精緻2D像素美術與爽快戰鬥手感。

劇情設定以「魔法少女與惡魔城」為主軸，融合日式校園與哥德風格的暗黑奇幻元素。故事講述主角「神園姊妹」——「綺莉卡」與「瑪夏」，是兩位秘密身分為惡魔獵人的高中女生，平時就讀於普通的女子學園，但某日學校突然被神秘力量包圍，整棟校舍被傳送到異界並轉變成一座充滿惡魔與陷阱的巨大古堡。為了拯救被困的魔王「馬克辛「，姊妹倆化身為「魔役」，潛入黑暗之城，展開一場充滿挑戰的戰鬥之旅。

操作上，最大特色是雙主角即時切換系統。在任意時間自由切換姊妹角色，忍擅長遠距離攻擊，使用槍械與機械裝備；真夜則為近戰型戰士，揮舞巨劍進行高傷害攻擊。兩人風格迥異，關卡設計也根據其技能特性設有不同路線與解謎要素，強調角色配合與戰術運用。在單人遊玩時，隨時切換角色來應對不同敵人或地形；而在雙人合作模式中，則由兩名玩家分別操作兩位角色，進一步提升協作與趣味性。

節奏緊湊，手感扎實，融合經典2D橫向動作的彈跳、閃避與技能連段元素，同時加入輕度RPG成長系統與技能升級機制。Boss戰設計極具挑戰性，每位魔王皆有獨特攻擊模式與場景機關，需熟悉節奏並活用雙角色的技能應對，給玩家帶來極強的成就感。

畫面方面則延續Inti Creates一貫的高品質2D像素風格，角色動作細膩、特效華麗，配樂部分由該公司內部音樂團隊打造，具有濃厚的復古搖滾與幻想氛圍，增強整體沉浸感。

市場評價方面，推出後在玩家間獲得普遍好評，特別是對於喜愛傳統橫向動作與惡魔城類型遊戲的玩家來說，它是極具誠意與可玩性的作品。IGN與Famitsu等媒體也給出正面評價，肯定其遊戲性與雙人合作的創新玩法。不過，也有部分評論指出遊戲的關卡重複度略高，二週目內容雖有變化但缺乏重大突破，且遊戲整體流程偏短，可能不符合部分硬核玩家對「惡魔城式探索」的深度期待。

總體而言，《少女魔役》是製作精良、節奏爽快、角色魅力十足的2D動作遊戲。它在繼承經典惡魔城風格的同時融入了日式校園幻想題材與雙人合作機制，是Inti Creates向橫向動作遊戲致敬的又一成功之作。對於喜歡《惡魔城》、《洛克人Zero》系列或Inti Creates其他作品的玩家而言，本作絕對值得一試。

"Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark" (グリム・ガーディアンズ サーヴァント・オブ・ザ・ダーク), also known as "Shōjo Mayaku" in some translations, is a side-scrolling action game developed by the renowned Japanese studio Inti Creates. The game follows the 2023 release of its predecessor Grim Guardians: Demon Purge, and is available on platforms including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam. This title marks Inti Creates’ return to the Metroidvania genre, blending their signature high-quality 2D pixel art with satisfying combat mechanics.

The game’s story centers around a fusion of “magical girl” themes with gothic fantasy elements, set in a modern Japanese high school context. The protagonists are the Kamizono sisters, Shinobu and Maya, who are secretly demon hunters despite living ordinary student lives. One day, their school is suddenly enveloped by a mysterious force and transported to an alternate dimension, transforming into a sprawling demonic castle filled with monsters and deadly traps. The sisters, now assuming their roles as “Servants of the Dark,” embark on a perilous quest to rescue the demon lord Maxine, who has been imprisoned within.

A defining feature of the gameplay is the dual-character switch system, which allows players to alternate between the two sisters at any time. Shinobu specializes in ranged attacks, wielding guns and mechanical gadgets, while Maya is a close-combat fighter who uses a massive sword to deal heavy melee damage. The game’s level design takes advantage of their distinct abilities, offering divergent routes and puzzle elements that require clever use of each character’s strengths. In single-player mode, players can freely switch characters to overcome different challenges; in two-player co-op mode, each player controls one of the sisters, adding depth to teamwork and strategy.

The action is fast-paced and fluid, featuring classic 2D platforming elements like jumping, dodging, and chaining skills, all enhanced by a light RPG-style progression system with skill upgrades. Boss battles are a standout element, each presenting unique attack patterns and stage mechanics. Success requires mastering the rhythm of combat and strategically utilizing the skills of both characters, delivering a strong sense of reward and accomplishment.

Visually, the game continues Inti Creates’ tradition of high-quality 2D pixel art, with finely detailed character animations and flashy special effects. The soundtrack, composed by the studio’s internal music team, blends retro rock with fantasy tones, effectively enhancing immersion and atmosphere.

Critically and commercially, the game has been well-received, particularly among fans of classic 2D action games and Metroidvania titles. Reviewers from outlets like IGN and Famitsu praised its engaging gameplay and innovative two-character mechanic. However, some criticisms have been noted—certain players pointed out that level repetition becomes noticeable, the second playthrough offers limited new content, and the overall game length may feel short for those expecting a deep and expansive exploration experience.

In summary, "Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark" is a polished, exhilarating, and character-rich 2D action game. While honoring the legacy of classic Castlevania-style games, it introduces a fresh blend of Japanese school fantasy and cooperative mechanics. For fans of Castlevania, the Mega Man Zero series, or any of Inti Creates’ past works, this title is a worthwhile addition to their collection.